to the fiscal cliff. yet, this is the same republican leadership that had the house and senate barely a full day this week. we have had the election. the president was clear in the campaign in fighting for a middle-income tax cut, a tax cut which, by the way, gives everyone a tax break, but it also asks the upper 2% to pay their fair share. and since that election four weeks ago, we have had time, the president has given republicans flexibility to come up with a credible, specific plans. what they offered in return was an empty letter, lacking in specifics. it was a manifestation of a lack in the republican caucus about the tax cut and no specifics in their planned, and not even senator mcconnell endorsed the plan. we can make a difference right now, by putting the middle- income tax issue up for a vote. democrats are unified on it. we have been discharged position to bring it to the floor. the only obstacle standing in the wake of middle-income tax relief is the republicans'' unwillingness for the top 2%